John Roberts is one of the most recognized faces in American broadcast journalism, serving as Fox News’ Chief White House Correspondent and co-anchor of America Reports. With a distinguished career spanning over four decades across multiple networks including CBS News, CNN, and now Fox News, John Roberts has covered some of the most significant political events in modern American history. From presidential campaigns to Supreme Court decisions, John Roberts has established himself as a trusted source for political news and analysis. His journey from Canadian radio to becoming one of America’s premier White House correspondents demonstrates exceptional talent and dedication to journalism. Beyond his professional accomplishments, John Roberts has faced personal health challenges, including a highly publicized battle with malaria that raised awareness about the disease. As John Roberts continues to report from the White House and anchor major news programs, his influence on political journalism remains significant, making him a vital voice in contemporary news media.
Personal Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John David Roberts |
| Date of Birth | November 15, 1956 |
| Age | 69 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-American (dual citizenship) |
| Height | Approximately 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Education | Erindale College, University of Toronto |
| Profession | Journalist, News Anchor, Correspondent |
| Current Position | Chief White House Correspondent & Co-anchor, America Reports (Fox News) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Kyra Phillips (married 2010) |
| Previous Marriage | Michele Voan (1987-2008, divorced) |
| Children | 2 (twins with Kyra Phillips) |
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated $5-7 million |
| Annual Salary | Approximately $2 million |
| Political Affiliation | Registered Independent (professional neutrality) |
Career Timeline
| Year | Position/Network | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1975-1977 | Radio Host, Various Canadian Stations | Early broadcasting career |
| 1977-1979 | CFOS/CHYM-FM, Ontario | Music radio personality |
| 1979-1990 | CITY-TV/MuchMusic, Toronto | Music VJ and host |
| 1990-1992 | CBS News | Network correspondent |
| 1992-1995 | CBS News | Miami bureau chief |
| 1995-2006 | CBS News | Senior national correspondent |
| 2006-2010 | CNN | Senior national correspondent, anchor |
| 2010-Present | Fox News | Chief White House Correspondent |
| 2021-Present | Fox News | Co-anchor, America Reports |
Who is John Roberts?
John Roberts is a veteran Canadian-American journalist who currently serves as Fox News’ Chief White House Correspondent and co-anchor of America Reports alongside Sandra Smith. Born John David Roberts on November 15, 1956, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he began his broadcasting career in radio before transitioning to television. John Roberts has worked for major American news networks including CBS News and CNN before joining Fox News in 2010. His extensive experience covering presidential administrations, political campaigns, and breaking news has made him one of the most respected journalists in the industry. Throughout his career, John Roberts has earned multiple Emmy Awards and other accolades for his reporting excellence.
Early Life and Education
John Roberts was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He attended Erindale College, part of the University of Toronto, where he studied political science. During his college years, John Roberts developed a passion for broadcasting and began working in radio, which would launch his decades-long career in media.
Growing up in Canada during the 1960s and 1970s, John Roberts was exposed to both Canadian and American media, which helped shape his understanding of North American politics and culture. This bicultural perspective would later prove valuable in his journalism career, particularly when covering American politics for a diverse audience.
Early Broadcasting Career: Radio and MuchMusic
John Roberts began his professional broadcasting career in 1975 at various Canadian radio stations, working as a disc jockey and radio personality. His early work took him to stations including CFOS and CHYM-FM in Ontario, where he honed his on-air skills and developed his distinctive broadcasting voice.
MuchMusic Era
From 1979 to 1990, John Roberts became a familiar face to Canadian audiences as a video jockey (VJ) and host on CITY-TV and MuchMusic, Canada’s equivalent to MTV. During this period, he interviewed numerous music artists and hosted various music programming, building his skills in live television and interviewing. This experience in entertainment television provided John Roberts with valuable on-camera experience that would translate well to news broadcasting.
Transition to News: CBS News Career
In 1990, John Roberts made the pivotal decision to transition from music television to serious journalism, joining CBS News as a network correspondent. This move marked the beginning of his distinguished career in American news media.
Rising Through CBS
At CBS News, John Roberts quickly established himself as a capable and versatile journalist. He served as Miami bureau chief from 1992 to 1995, covering major stories throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. His work during this period included coverage of natural disasters, political upheaval, and drug trafficking issues affecting the region.
From 1995 to 2006, John Roberts served as CBS News’ senior national correspondent, based in New York. In this role, he covered numerous high-profile stories including:
- Presidential elections and campaigns
- The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and aftermath
- Hurricane Katrina and other major natural disasters
- Supreme Court decisions and legal battles
- Major breaking news events across the United States
During his tenure at CBS, John Roberts earned several Emmy Awards for his reporting, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier journalist.
CNN Years: 2006-2010
In 2006, John Roberts joined CNN as a senior national correspondent and became the anchor of CNN’s morning program “American Morning.” This move to CNN represented a significant career advancement and placed him in one of cable news’ most visible positions.
At CNN, John Roberts covered the historic 2008 presidential election, providing extensive coverage of both the Democratic primary battle between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, and the general election between Obama and John McCain. His reporting during this period demonstrated his ability to navigate complex political narratives while maintaining journalistic objectivity.
Fox News Career: Chief White House Correspondent
In January 2011, John Roberts joined Fox News Channel as a national correspondent based in Atlanta. However, his role quickly evolved, and he became one of the network’s most prominent reporters covering national politics and breaking news.
White House Coverage
John Roberts has served as Fox News’ Chief White House Correspondent, covering multiple presidential administrations. His reporting from the White House has provided Fox News viewers with daily updates on presidential activities, policy announcements, and political developments. John Roberts has covered:
- The Obama administration (second term)
- The entire Trump administration (2017-2021)
- The Biden administration (2021-present)
His position as Chief White House Correspondent has made John Roberts a regular presence at White House press briefings, where he has asked pointed questions of various press secretaries and established himself as a tough but fair questioner.
America Reports Co-Anchor
In 2021, John Roberts took on an additional role as co-anchor of “America Reports,” a weekday afternoon news program on Fox News, alongside Sandra Smith. This program covers breaking news and developing stories throughout the day, with John Roberts bringing his extensive experience and political expertise to the anchor desk.
Health Challenge: Malaria Battle
One of the most dramatic episodes in John Roberts’ recent career was his battle with malaria, which he contracted while on assignment. The illness became public knowledge when John Roberts appeared visibly ill on air, shivering during a live broadcast—a moment that was widely shared on social media and raised concerns among viewers.
Diagnosis and Treatment
John Roberts revealed that he had contracted malaria, a serious parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes. The specific circumstances of how John Roberts contracted malaria have not been fully detailed publicly, though it likely occurred during travel to a region where malaria is endemic, possibly while covering international news stories.
The disease caused significant symptoms including:
- High fever and chills
- Severe shivering (visible during his on-air appearance)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Body aches
John Roberts underwent treatment for malaria and made a full recovery, returning to his full duties at Fox News. His public discussion of the illness helped raise awareness about malaria and the importance of preventive measures when traveling to affected regions.
Shivering on Air Incident
The viral moment when John Roberts was visibly shivering while reporting on air became a significant talking point, with the video circulating widely on social media. This incident occurred as he was battling the effects of malaria, demonstrating his dedication to continuing his work even while seriously ill. The incident also highlighted the physical demands of broadcast journalism and the commitment journalists show to covering important stories.
Personal Life and Family
John Roberts’ personal life has included two marriages and a family that he keeps relatively private despite his public career.
First Marriage
John Roberts was previously married to Michele Voan from 1987 to 2008. The couple divorced after more than two decades of marriage. Michele Voan worked in television news production, and the couple had no children together.
Marriage to Kyra Phillips
In 2010, John Roberts married Kyra Phillips, a fellow journalist who has worked for ABC News and CNN. Kyra Phillips is also an accomplished news correspondent and anchor, making them one of journalism’s prominent couples. The couple shares a deep understanding of the demands of broadcast journalism, having both worked in similar roles.
Children
John Roberts and Kyra Phillips are parents to twins, born in March 2011 shortly after their marriage. The couple has been protective of their children’s privacy, rarely sharing photos or details about their family life publicly. Balancing demanding careers in news media with parenting has required significant coordination, but both John Roberts and Kyra Phillips have managed to maintain successful careers while raising their children.
John Roberts’ Salary and Net Worth
As Fox News’ Chief White House Correspondent and co-anchor of a major daily news program, John Roberts commands a substantial salary. Industry estimates suggest that John Roberts earns approximately $2 million annually from Fox News. This salary reflects his seniority, experience, and the prominent positions he holds within the network.
John Roberts’ net worth is estimated at $5-7 million as of 2026, accumulated through decades of work in broadcast journalism at major networks. His wealth comes primarily from his television salaries, but also includes speaking engagements, industry awards, and other professional activities.
Income Sources
John Roberts’ main income sources include:
- Annual salary from Fox News (approximately $2 million)
- Speaking engagements and industry appearances
- Residuals from past network work
- Potential book deals or media projects
Political Affiliation and Journalistic Objectivity
Despite his role covering politics, John Roberts maintains professional neutrality in his reporting. He is registered as an Independent voter, not affiliated with either the Republican or Democratic parties. This independence is crucial for maintaining credibility as a White House correspondent who must fairly cover administrations regardless of party.
Throughout his career, John Roberts has faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum—often a sign that a journalist is doing their job fairly. He has asked tough questions of officials from both parties and has been praised by journalism ethics experts for maintaining professional standards.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his distinguished career, John Roberts has received numerous awards and accolades for his journalism, including:
- Multiple Emmy Awards for news coverage
- Edward R. Murrow Awards for excellence in journalism
- Recognition from the Radio-Television Digital News Association
- Industry honors for White House coverage
These awards reflect John Roberts’ commitment to quality journalism and his ability to cover complex stories with accuracy and insight.
Social Media Presence
John Roberts maintains an active presence on social media, particularly on Twitter (now X), where he shares news updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses of his work, and occasional personal reflections. His Twitter account serves as a platform for breaking news alerts and interaction with viewers and fellow journalists.
On Instagram, John Roberts occasionally shares photos from his assignments and personal moments, though he maintains a professional focus even on this more casual platform. His social media presence reflects his understanding of modern journalism’s need for direct audience engagement while maintaining professional boundaries.
Wikipedia and Online Presence
John Roberts has a comprehensive Wikipedia page that details his career trajectory, major stories covered, and personal life. The page is regularly updated with information about his current role at Fox News and recent reporting. His Wikipedia entry serves as a reliable source for biographical information and career highlights.
Beyond Wikipedia, John Roberts is featured prominently on the Fox News website, where viewers can find his biography, recent reports, and video clips from America Reports. Professional journalism databases and industry publications also maintain extensive information about his career and accomplishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is John Roberts?
John Roberts is 69 years old, born on November 15, 1956, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He continues to actively work as Fox News’ Chief White House Correspondent and co-anchor of America Reports despite nearing 70.
Who is John Roberts?
John Roberts is Fox News’ Chief White House Correspondent and co-anchor of America Reports. He is a veteran Canadian-American journalist with over 40 years of broadcasting experience across CBS News, CNN, and Fox News, known for political coverage.
Is John Roberts married?
Yes, John Roberts is married to Kyra Phillips, a fellow journalist who has worked for ABC News and CNN. The couple married in 2010 and have twin children together. Roberts was previously married to Michele Voan from 1987-2008.
Does John Roberts have children?
Yes, John Roberts and his wife Kyra Phillips have twins who were born in March 2011. The couple keeps their children’s lives private, rarely sharing details or photos publicly to protect their privacy.
What is John Roberts’ net worth and salary?
John Roberts’ estimated net worth is $5-7 million as of 2026. He earns approximately $2 million annually as Fox News’ Chief White House Correspondent and America Reports co-anchor, reflecting his senior status and decades of broadcasting experience.
How did John Roberts get malaria?
John Roberts contracted malaria, likely during travel to a malaria-endemic region while on assignment. The specific circumstances haven’t been fully disclosed, but he became visibly ill on air, shivering during broadcasts before receiving treatment and recovering fully.
Where is John Roberts from?
John Roberts is from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He holds dual Canadian-American citizenship and began his broadcasting career in Canadian radio and television before moving to American news networks in 1990.
What is John Roberts doing now in 2026?
John Roberts continues serving as Fox News’ Chief White House Correspondent covering the Biden administration and co-anchoring America Reports weekday afternoons with Sandra Smith. He remains one of Fox News’ most prominent political journalists.
What is John Roberts famous for?
John Roberts is famous for his four decades in broadcast journalism, serving as Chief White House Correspondent for Fox News, covering multiple presidential administrations, and his award-winning reporting on major political events and breaking news across America.
Conclusion
John Roberts’ remarkable career journey from Canadian radio DJ to one of America’s most respected White House correspondents exemplifies dedication, adaptability, and journalistic excellence. His ability to transition from entertainment broadcasting to hard news, and his success across multiple major networks, demonstrates rare versatility in journalism. Despite facing health challenges including malaria, John Roberts has maintained his commitment to covering the most important political stories of our time. His balanced approach to reporting and professional neutrality have earned him respect across the political spectrum.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, John Roberts shows no signs of slowing down. As he approaches 70, his experience and institutional knowledge make him increasingly valuable in an era when veteran journalists are essential for providing context and perspective on political developments. His continued role as Chief White House Correspondent and America Reports co-anchor ensures that Fox News viewers benefit from his decades of expertise. John Roberts’ legacy in broadcast journalism is already secure, but his ongoing work continues to shape how Americans understand their government and political system.